Dama Gazelle Calves Stotting at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Description:
What are these dama gazelles doing? It is called stotting—springing into the air, lifting all four feet off the ground at the same time. Dama gazelles are critically endangered and the largest of all gazelles. Scientists at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology institute study their reproduction and use state-of-the-art reproductive techniques to preserver their genetic diversity. Scientists are also working to reintroduce dama gazelles to their native range across North Africa. Although these young gazelles are living at SCBI while scientists study their behavior, you can see the National Zoo’s dama gazelles on exhibit at the Cheetah Conservation Station. If you’re lucky, they might start jumping around! #WeSaveSpecies
